imaginal

1 of 2

adjective (1)

imag·​i·​nal i-ˈma-jə-nᵊl How to pronounce imaginal (audio)
: of or relating to imagination, images, or imagery

imaginal

2 of 2

adjective (2)

: of or relating to the insect imago

Examples of imaginal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Mercury entering into Pisces turns up the imaginal juice. USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024 Then, from bundles of cells known as imaginal disks, a new body takes form. Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'imaginal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

borrowed from Late Latin imāginālis, from Latin imāgin-, imāgō image entry 1 + -ālis -al entry 1

Adjective (2)

New Latin imāgin-, imāgō imago + -al entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

1638, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of imaginal was in 1638

Dictionary Entries Near imaginal

Cite this Entry

“Imaginal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imaginal. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

imaginal

1 of 2 adjective
imag·​i·​nal im-ˈaj-ən-ᵊl How to pronounce imaginal (audio)
: of, relating to, or involving imagination, images, or imagery

imaginal

2 of 2 adjective
ima·​gi·​nal im-ˈā-gən-ᵊl How to pronounce imaginal (audio) -ˈäg-ən- How to pronounce imaginal (audio)
: of or relating to the insect imago
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